Calculators for COMPASS

Use of Calculators for COMPASS Test

Taking the COMPASS?

If you will be taking the COMPASS soon, you are probably looking for
information on each and every section of this exam. You have to be
aware that the exam will be taken online. This means that you need to
sit in front of the computer and take the test. If you do not know how
to use the computer then you will be at loss because no pen and paper
version of the COMPASS is available as of now. Furthermore, the
examination is not timed so you can complete all the three sections in
the exam at a pace that you feel comfortable in. You do not have to
hurry yourself when you are taking the test. All the questions that you
will find here will be in the form of multiple choice questions, with
each question having five answer options. You have to think carefully and choose an answer option from the alternatives available for each question.

Now when it comes to the Math section, you may have questions
regarding the use of calculator in the test. Some people do not know
whether they should bring their calculator or not. In order to be sure
that you are getting the right information and also to find out more
about the use of calculators, continue reading.

Can I use Calculator for the COMPASS Test?

Many students are not aware whether they should bring their own
calculator for the Math test or not. You have two options in this
regard: you can bring your own calculator or you can use the online
calculator that will be provided to you at the time of the test. Read
the following points for more details:

Calculators allowed: An important thing you need to
be aware of is that the candidate who is taking the test will be
allowed to bring a calculator. On the other hand, the one that he
brings to the examination room should comply with the rules of the
COMPASS otherwise he will not be allowed to use it. You can find out
more about these rules by checking the official website www.act.org/compass/student/index.html.

Charge in the battery: Make sure that the battery in
the calculator has enough charge so that it will not run out while you
are still taking the test. For this reason, many candidates carry
additional batteries and you can do this too.

Borrowing of calculator: Another point to note is
that you will not be allowed to borrow a calculator from another test
taker, if you did not bring your own one. This is forbidden so you have
to keep this in mind.

Use the online calculator: If you want, you can
simply use the online calculator that will be provided to you when you
are in the examination room instead of bringing one of your own.

Type of Calculator that You Can Use

If you are planning to bring your own calculator, you have to keep the following points in mind:

You can make use of a scientific calculator to help you with the
Math section of the COMPASS. The examination does not allow the
students to bring a calculator that has an in-built computer algebra
system. You are not permitted to make use of a calculator that is built
into an electronic instrument, like a cell phone.

If you have a calculator that makes noise, then you have to ensure
that you turn off the sound. This way, you will not be disturbing the
other test takers who are also in the examination room with you.

If you are planning to bring a calculator that has a power cord,
then make sure that you remove this cord when you enter the examination
room.

If your calculator comes with an infrared data port, you need to
ensure that you cover this port entirely with a duct tape. Some
calculators under this category include HP 48G, HP 39G series and HP
38G series from Hewlett-Packard.